Welcome
Today, you have taken the first courageous step in your healing journey. You are one step closer to self-empowerment, which includes relief from anxiety, trauma, and betrayal. I will accompany you on your journey of growth and emotional well-being.
As an affirmative, inclusive therapist, our journey together will help you discover your true potential and help you move forward into a more fulfilling life with a strong sense of peace and calmness, and a deeper sense of authentic self.
If you’re looking for guidance to walk with you through a challenging situation, or you’ve just had enough of status quo and are ready to move in a new direction in your life, reach out and let’s see if we’re a good fit.
My Private Therapy Practice
Treatment specialization includes:
- EMDR
- Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
- Women’s Issues
- Addiction & Recovery
- Couples Counseling
- Betrayal Trauma
- PTSD with SA / Infidelity
- Family of Origin
- Molestation / Childhood Trauma
- Grief Counseling
- Evidence–Based Mindfulness / Meditation
- Conflict Resolution
- Spiritual Direction
- Reiki Healing
- Shadow Work
Kimmy provides therapeutic services in a non-judgmental environment that promotes compassion and understanding. She offers a highly personalized approach to help you incorporate your strengths, individual needs, and attain the personal growth and healing you desire.
Learning about the betrayal of your partner is often a devastating experience, leaving you both emotionally and biologically impacted. The impact is often worse if that betrayal involves ongoing sexual addiction.
Are you feeling angry one second, and frightened the next? Do you find yourself blanking out, and forgetting simple things? Are you wondering if you’re making things up? Do you wonder if all of this is your fault? Do you feel “crazy”? If this sounds at all like you, I want you to know that I can help you make sense of what happened.
I know the pain you are enduring feels unbearable, even excruciating. Many women who have been betrayed by a partner feel embarrassed and ashamed, and because of this they feel isolated and alone, unable to confide even in their closest friends.
There’s something I want you to hear. You are not alone! I strongly believe that the help and validation you need can only come from a fellow traveler—someone who has gone through a similar crisis. I know this journey well because I’ve walked it myself, and have found my way out of the effects of ongoing sexual deception from partner(s) (what many refer to as sexual addiction).
You don’t need to make the decision to leave or stay right now but you do need to have the following validated:
You are not crazy! What you may be experiencing involves psychological, emotional and cognitive (neurological) responses. The following is a list of common responses when one has experienced a significant crisis:
- Cognitive deficits involving memory issues
- Generalized anxiety and fear (hyperarousal)
- Feelings of depression with difficulty maintaining everyday tasks (hypoarousal)
- The need to perseverate on the “what ifs” and the “what might have happened,” which can include snooping (his social media, emails, cell phone, pockets)
- Food disturbances (lack of appetite/over-eating)
- Emotional “hangovers” (may feel very similar to an alcohol-related hangover)
- “Interrogating” your partner in order to feel safe.
Some steps you can take right now:
- Don’t feel compelled to make a decision about staying or leaving. Take your time (as long as you’re safe)
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep per night
- Maintain a reasonable exercise routine
- Meditate every morning
- Journal
I have considerable professional practice working with clients experiencing a range of experiences related to partner betrayal. In addition to my formal education, I have also completed specialized training through the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS). I look forward to offering you hope for healing as you regain your emotional, spiritual and physical well being.
Links & Resources
Partner Betrayal Trauma
Kimmy’s MUST Read! 5 eBook Series. Download for $19.95 from Posarc: eBook1: Discovery, eBook2: Post-Discovery Hidden Sexual Behaviors, eBook3: Boundaries, eBook4: Recovering from Infidelity, eBook5: The Betrayer’s Obligations -by Lili Bee
Blogs
chumplady.com – is a blog written by a lady much like myself, she has a spicy attitude, salty language, and hopefully CL will help you laugh at the unlaughable. My hope is that you realize you are not alone in the insanity one feels when “chumped by a cake-eater.”
Books
Sexually Addicted Spouse – by Barbara Steffens
Why Does He Do That – by Lundy Bancroft
In Sheep’s Clothing: Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People – by Dr. George Simon
Healing from Hidden Abuse – by Shannon Thomas
Intimate Deception – by Sheri Keffer
The Language of Emotions – by Karla McLaren
Boundaries After Pathological Relationship – by Adelyn Birch
The Betrayal Bond – by Partrick Carnes
Don’t Call it Love – by Patrick Carnes
Podcasts
Betrayal Recovery Radio – APSATS
Beyond Bitchy: Mastering the Art of Boundaries
Helping Couples Heal – (KIMMY’S MUST LISTEN) #7 interview with Omar Minwalla
Sexual Addiction – Carol the Coach
Websites
The Institute for Sexual Health
Note: Not responsible for the content, claims or representations of the listed sites.
About Kimmy Hunkle
Kimberly “Kimmy” Hunkle, MA earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology; Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling & Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from VUSC. She is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT #120934), Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #50057169), Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADCII #A043920317) and a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS) with the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialist (APSATS).
Kimmy has practiced in the field of addiction and mental health for over a decade, in various settings and has extensive experience in treating a range of emotional challenges as well as trauma. She has provided training to a variety of populations as well, including in the areas of addictions, mental health and developing healthy attachments. Her range of training and experiences help her understand and connect with her clients and actively engage in the treatment and recovery process, regardless of their area of struggle.
Kimmy serves individuals, couples, family, and groups. She works with a variety of clients including individuals establishing and sustaining recovery from addictions (substances, sex addiction), partners of addicts, recovery from betrayal and infidelity, relationship adjustment and recovery, and grief and loss. Therapy methods include but are not limited to insight therapy (using a range of modalities), narrative therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, meditation, and emotion regulation.
Kimmy is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), C.G. Jung Club of OC, and Society for Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH).
Rates and Insurance
Rates
Individual Therapy $175 per 50-minute session
Couples Therapy $200 per 50-minute session
Insurance
Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. I take all PPO plans with out-of-network benefits, and am working with insurance companies to take in-network insurance. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- Can I go to an out-of-network provider?
- What is my deductible? Has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Payment
Cash, check, insurance, and all major credit cards accepted for payment.
Cancellation Policy
If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you card will be charged the full cost of the session.
The following links are listed to provide you with additional online mental health care information and counseling resources.
Addiction & Recovery
Alcoholics Anonymous
Sex Addicts Anonymous
Addiction & Residential Treatment
Dee’s House for Women Over 30 Years Old
Family Members Affected by Addiction
Al-Anon
Co-Dependents Anonymous
COSA
Magazine for ADHD
Mental Health Care
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Personality Disorders
Suicide Awareness & Hotlines
Crisis Assessment Team (Orange County)
Psychiatric Mobile Response Team (Los Angeles County)
Suicide: Read This First
Personality Tests
Ennegram Test Keirsey (Myers-Briggs)
Trauma “Remote” Support
Note: Not responsible for the content, claims or representations of the listed sites.
Helpful & Informative Books
The following books are listed to provide you with additional material and guidance about various subject matters.
Couples & Intimate Relationships
The 7 Principles For Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman, Ph.D.
Getting The Love You Want, A Guide for Couples by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.
Shattered Vows by Debra Laaser
Personality Tests
The Road Back to you: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron
Personality Disorders
Buddha and the Borderline by Kira Van Gelder
Healing from Hidden Abuse by Shannon Thomas
In Sheeps Clothing by Dr. George Simon
Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout
Trauma
Body Keeps Score by Bessel Vanderkolk
Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine
Body Never Lies by Alice Miller
Mothers Who Can’t Love by Susan Forward
Daughters Betrayed by Their Mothers by Holly Kenley
Partner Trauma – See Partner Betrayal Tab
Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law to ensure their safety.
Residential Treatment for Women 30 Years & Older
Who Struggle with Addiction
OUR APPROACH TO WOMEN’S ADDICTION TREATMENT IS UNIQUE
At Dee’s House, we’re unique, we only focus on women. So, we wanted to create an alcohol and drug rehab for women that’s just as unique. We work one-on-one with each client, tailoring her program to meet her individual needs and address her personal challenges. Our drug addiction treatment plans include short- and long-term goals, therapeutic strategies and transition/aftercare planning. We are strict in our six-client maximum, ensuring that each woman is given the individual attention she deserves.
Holistic Healing
We believe in a holistic approach to healing, and we want our clients to experience the benefits of the mind/body/soul connection. We also believe in the “take what you like and leave the rest” mantra, so we offer the women who come to Dee’s as many experiences as we can so they can find what resonates with them. Our clients have taken meditation classes, have attended various seminars and have learned EFT, just to name a few. We also often take our clients to the beach to soak up the benefits of the sun and the salt-enriched sand. Anything that can help us grow and heal — mind, body and spirit — and have fun doing it!
We introduce principles and techniques that can quiet the daily noise and allow spiritual healing and self-discovery to help each woman on her journey toward a new way of life. We offer a wide variety of teachings and therapy modalities to help our clients grow. We open the door to metaphysical authors and practices, and we allow our clients to experience new ways of looking at their world.
Getting Back to Wellness
We focus on daily exercise and nutrition, again, tailored to each woman’s needs. We know that in our diseases, this area is often neglected, so we incorporate beach walks, nature hikes and Kundalini Yoga, in addition to nutritional information and therapy when needed, so that our clients can start on their roads back to wellness.